Preparing for your appointment

You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or primary care doctor. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred directly to a specialist in skin diseases (dermatologist).

What you can do

Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your appointment. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For actinic keratoses, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

Are tests needed to confirm the diagnosis?

What are my treatment options and the pros and cons for each?

What will the treatments cost? Does medical insurance cover these costs?

What suspicious changes in my skin should I look for?

What kind of follow-up should I expect?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask follow-up questions during your appointment.

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